Employees from Defense Logistics Aviation at Jacksonville, Florida, participated in the 8th annual Multicultural Fun Day July 14, at Naval Air Station Jacksonville. The event was sponsored by the Naval Air Station Multicultural Awareness Committee.
DLA Aviation’s theme for the event was “The Hawaiian Culture: Preserving the past for the Future.” Several employees put together a display which included traditional Hawaiian musical instruments, food and the history of Hawaii.
“Men and women of every cultural background take the lead and bring their skills to today's exciting Defense Logistical Agency Aviation and Navy culture that embraces diversity," said Navy Commander Dan Bessman, DLA Aviation Commander at Jacksonville. “It was important for us at DLA Aviation to celebrate our awareness of cultural understanding."
DLA Aviation at Jacksonville employees who participate in the event were: Leslie and Demetrius Stanley, Staci Clark-Allen, Denise Cummings, Valerie Mueck and Tierra Williams.
Williams, DLA Aviation sustainment specialist, is a Hawaiian native. She gave demonstrations on the ūkulele (a guitar-type instrument) and the pàu (a drum).
“Tierra (Williams) provided a depth of knowledge regarding her homeland and the Hawaiian culture that most do not have,” said DLA Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity Specialist at Jacksonville Valerie Mueck. “Preserving one's culture is imperative, or it loses originality or accuracy over time.